Number of STD cases in the US reaches record high as public services 'stretched thin'

The number of reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases reached a record high in the US last year, figures show, as officials warned that stretched services meant people were slipping through the "public health safety net".

"STD prevention resources across the nation are stretched thin, and we’re beginning to see people slip through the public health safety net,” Dr Mermin said.

"Turning the STD epidemics around requires bolstering prevention efforts and addressing new challenges – but the payoff is substantial in terms of improving health, reducing disparities and saving billions of dollars."

Those most at risk were gay and bisexual men, while pregnant women were also advised to be tested.

“The resurgence of congenital syphilis and the increasing impact of syphilis among gay and bisexual men makes it clear that many Americans are not getting the preventive services they need. Every pregnant woman should be tested for syphilis, and sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested for syphilis at least once a year.”

Dr Peter Greenhouse, from the British Association for Sexual Health, said such smartphone apps facilitated casual sexual encounters. "That must increase the rate of which you change partners or find new partners and that in itself has got to increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections," he told Radio 1's Newsbeat.

Figures released by Public Health England last year show a 33 per cent rise in cases of syphilis and a 19 per cent increase in gonorrhoea diagnoses.